On May 20, l941, ten ladies met to organize a Woman’s Missionary Society.
Mrs. Tarpley, the pastor’s wife, led in the organization. The members
included Mrs. Tarpley, Mary Lee Byrd, Chrystelia Byrd, Mrs. J.C. Clark, Mary
Harriet Dill, Margaret Groves, Lillian Milligan, Myrtle Martin, Lois Rowlett,
and Lillie Ruth Ridgeway.
In June l942, the church was legally christened "First Baptist Church
of Dover." Also in this year, the building was completed and all debts
were paid. This was made possible by a gift from the Rushing Creek Baptist
Church, which was disbanding due to the land being taken by the Tennessee
Valley Authority to build Kentucky Lake. A dedication service was held on the
second Sunday in August and the sermon was delivered by the first pastor, Rev.
Clifton Bridges of Crossville, Tennessee. Approximately 300 people attended.
As the membership was growing, more space was needed to house the Sunday
School. A new pastor had moved on the field and the church was now enjoying a
full-time service for the first time in its history. T.W. Carl of Paris,
Tennessee was the pastor and needed a place to live. A house was purchased
from Cleve Whaley for $l,700 which was the first church-owned pastor’s home.
In the year l944, the church continued to see spiritual and material
growth. Seven were baptized and four members came by letter. The financial
assistance on pastor’s salary and building, which had been coming regularly
from the State Convention, was no longer needed, rest rooms were added, and
peace and harmony prevailed. In April four men were elected to serve as
deacons: Clay Groves, G. C. Milligan, Roy Irving, and Woodrow Dill.
Pastor Carl resigned in January of l945 and was followed by H. D. Langford.
Even with a change of pastors, the church continued to function and grow. A
full-time program brought many spiritual blessings. A building fund was
started to supply the need for additional Sunday School space. Roy Ryker was
added as song leader and served until August l949 when A.E. Cross, Jr. assumed
this position. Through the next five years God blessed and led the church,
under the leadership of the pastor and cooperation of the members, to become
the inspiration to the community. In l950, Mr. Ryker again became music
minister and served for a period of eight years. John W. Lorance came as
pastor in November l950. By March l952 the church was once again free of debt.
The membership numbered l66, Sunday School enrolled l35, and all buildings
were valued at $30,000. Bailey Lisenbee was received as a deacon from New
Providence Baptist Church in l951.
In November l953, the pastor resigned and Dr. J. Paul Palmer answered the
call of the church. The year of l954 began with the largest church budget,
pledging thirteen per cent to missions. The first Executive Board member to
represent the church in the Stewart County Baptist Association was elected.
Plans were made to air condition the sanctuary of the church. By the end of
the year, the church was once again without a pastor. Carlos R. Owens was
called. Deacons added that year were Graham Feltner and Russell Wallace.
There is no record of any revivals being held during l954-l955, but there
is record of additions by baptism and by letter. The church voted to give $25
each to Corinth and Elk Creek churches for their building programs. In March
of l955 a religious census was made. This proved very helpful in the Vacation
Bible School which followed later in the spring. Plans were made for two
revivals, one in the spring and one in the fall. The year moved on with
affairs of the church running smoothly.
The year l956 continued to show growth and progress as the Lord blessed.
Support of missions was evidenced by the church’s participation in a
"School of Missions" held in October. In this year a building fund
was initiated for a new pastorium, due to the continuous repairs to the one in
use. The Budget Committee assisted in raising extra funds. In the early part
of the next year, a committee was appointed to secure and purchase a lot, and
to serve as a building committee. Plans were drawn for a new pastorium which
hopefully would be a reality in coming months. In May l957 Rev. and Mrs. Owens
offered their resignation, surrendering to full time work as missionaries in
Africa. The church presented them with a new Ford automobile as a parting
gift. Without a pastor for several months, the church continued to function
under the leadership and guidance of capable lay-people. Herschel Woodburn
took the pastorate in the last part of the year. Fred Martin became minister
of music.
In June l959, the Bear Springs School property was purchased for $200 to be
used for a mission. A new pastorium committee was appointed because funds were
now available to be used in building. A lot was purchased in January l960 from
Dr. A. R. Lee for $l,400 on Natcor Drive. Construction soon began. Rex L.
Smith was called as pastor. Billy Smith served as minister of music during the
summer months. Fred Martin returned in August l960 and served until l972.
Throughout l961 many blessings came to the membership. A mission was
established at Bear Springs with Dover, First as the Mother church. The church
shared their pastor, Sunday School teachers, literature, and provided support
in many ways. A tent revival was another great experience that year with nine
new members, eight by letter and one by baptism. Rev. Smith was replaced by
Robert Seig as pastor in December l962. During this year, three deacons were
added: Harold Biggs, Everett Watson, and Merle Chance. In July l963 the Bear
Springs Mission was organized into a church in compliance with their wishes.
The trustees of Dover, First made the transfer of the mission property to the
trustees of Bear Springs Church, on condition that the property revert back to
Dover, First church in event it ceased to serve as a meeting place for a
Baptist church, cooperating with Stewart County Baptist Association and
Southern Baptist Convention. At the following business session of the Dover
church, a motion carried to let the property of Bear Springs Baptist Church be
reverted to the Tennessee Baptist Foundation rather than First Baptist of
Dover as previously stated.
A lot adjoining the church property was purchased from the Church of Christ
in August of l963. Their old church building was also acquired and used as an
education building for a time.
In the following years, spring and fall revivals were held. A religious
survey was made. Special offerings were sent to Belmont College and to the
Owens in Africa. A visitation program was worked out and High Attendance Day
in Sunday School was observed. In December l964, the Deacon Board was voted to
act as committee to make a thorough study of plans and procedure to build a
new church building. Much prayer, planning and discussion was given to this in
the months and years that followed
When the churches in the Land Between the Lakes Area were forced to
disband, Dover, First offered its service in caring for their membership
rolls. This service was accepted by Model Baptist Church, Nevil’s Creek
Baptist Church, Crockett’s Creek Baptist Church, and Oak Grove Baptist
Church.
Records show that a gift of $7,000 and the Model church building were
presented to the First Baptist Church, Dover, Tennessee on February 22, l966.
A letter of thanks and appreciation was sent immediately. A gift was given
also by Nevil’s Creek Church. J. W. Hutchison was added that year as a
deacon transfer from Model Baptist Church and George Heflin was received from
Bumpus Mills Baptist Church.
The Building Committee for the present church was appointed in March l966.
In May, a building fund was established, urging all members to contribute as
they saw fit. In June, a floor plan was adopted. In September , the loan was
secured. The third Sunday offering of each month was put into the building
fund. In March l967, Rev. Seig resigned.
Rev. William E. Franks was called as pastor in June l967 and three deacons
were added by transfer: G. C. Watson, Grady Sills Watson, and Bobby Spiceland
from Nevil’s Creek. The summer months brought a revival, a School of
Missions, and Vacation Bible School. Ground-breaking activities were held
September 24, l967 and work began in October. The new building was completed
August l, l968 at a cost of approximately $123,000. On August 25, l968, the
Forty-Fourth Anniversary of the church, the new building was dedicated with
special services. A morning message was delivered by Rev. Clifton Bridges, the
first pastor, and the dedication sermon was given at the afternoon ceremonies
by Rev. R. L. Lockerby, Superintendent of Missions of the greater Peoria,
Illinois area. That same year Joe Dill was added to the church as a deacon
transfer from Model. Jack Compton was also received from Model in January
l969.
The next two years were devoted to much work and prayer. A three-day Sunday
School Workshop conducted by state workers proved very helpful. Other
highlights were: a Training Union Study Course was taught, a church fellowship
supper to precede the monthly business meeting was instigated to occur on
Wednesday night after the first Sunday in each month, and an all night prayer
service on Saturday night preceded a revival.
Pastor Franks resigned on February 24, l971. Rev. Doris Hart of Nashville,
Tennessee served the church as Interim Pastor. Rev. Herbert W. McFadden was
called as pastor June 6, l971.
During the ministry of Brother McFadden, the church grew and prospered in
several areas. Among these were : the initiation of a new Sunday School class
combining the college-career class and a young couples class, the organization
of a Baptist Young Woman’s group under the leadership of the pastor’s
wife, the instigation of a bus ministry, and the addition of a youth choir and
a new church training group for young adults. Moreover, the parking lot on the
west side of the building was enlarged and eventually both parking lots were
paved with a walk being added on the east side of the building. In l972,
bulletins were purchased with the church picture on the front. Frank McQueen
served as Minister of Music from January until April. Three deacons were
ordained in l973: Don Riddle, Bobby Dill and Clay Webb. John Wood became music
minister in February l973 and served for two years followed by Fred Borders.
In April l974, plans were made for the observation of the church’s
Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration to be held on August 25, l974. A theme of
"To God be the Glory" was chosen. In place of a regular sermon,
responses were heard from former pastors. Those sending taped messages were:
Rev. Clifton Bridges, Rev. D. W. Picklesimer, Rev. Fred Tarpley, Rev. T. W.
Carl, Rev. Herschel Woodburn, and Rev. Robert Seig. Rev. J. Paul Palmer sent a
letter of congratulations which was read by Mrs. Merle Chance. Revs. Hobart
Ford and Rex L. Smith sent telephone greetings which were summarized by the
present pastor, Herbert McFadden. Pastors in attendance were Rev. and Mrs. H.
D. Langford and Rev. and Mrs. William E. Franks. Following the service
approximately 200 church members and guests enjoyed a fellowship meal. A short
history of the church was printed and distributed as a remembrance of the
occasion. Freddie Borders joined the staff as music minister.
The next three years were highlighted by much progress. In l975 a radio
ministry was begun. This continued for approximately six months. The need for
expansion arose and the lower level behind the church was prepared for
additional parking. Property between the present church lot and a lot
belonging to Robert Williams was purchased. In l976, a clear deed was issued
to Bear Springs Baptist Church for the property previously provided to start
their mission.
During this time, emphasis on youth programs began to emerge. A youth
banquet and rally was held; the youth attended the Youth Evangelism
Conference; and plans for a youth camp at Brandon Springs were made.
In December l977, the church voted to accept new by-laws and constitution
as written by committee under the direction of Rev. McFadden. In addition,
Rev. McFadden was honored in May l978 for his graduation from Luther Rice
Seminary.
The most exciting event of this era was the note-burning ceremony that
occurred on May 28, l978. First Baptist was finally free of debt. The church
continued to expand its ministries with the addition of a men’s softball
team, the organization of a Church Council, and the purchase of two mini-vans.
A church directory was also compiled and distributed. In October l979,
additional land was purchased from Mrs. Raymond Williams to add to the
existing land on which the pastorium stands. Another deacon was added as a
transfer from Nashville, Don Morrow.
Because of continued church growth, especially in the Youth Department, the
church body decided to begin an earnest search for an Associate Pastor/Youth
Director. John Mountz was called in May l980. A Youth Puppet Ministry was
established and puppets and a stage were purchased. The church and community
were blessed with this ministry until Mr. Mountz resigned in April l981.
In June l981, Rev. McFadden resigned. Rev. Charles Dennis served as Interim
Pastor until Mark Wilson accepted the call in June 1982. Our music, youth, and
children’s departments experienced dramatic growth and the need for expanded
educational space was recognized. Plans were begun on the west wing addition.
Moreover, a long-range planning committee was formed to study and plan for the
future needs of the church.
During the 80’s, First Baptist saw many changes: several committees were
added, including, youth, children, young-at-heart, transportation; the puppet
ministry was expanded to include a drama ministry; a tape ministry was
provided for shut-ins; outside ramps and parking spaces were added for
handicap accessibility; a visitation program was begun on the last Wednesday
night of each month; choir robes were purchased; a part-time secretary’s
position was created; Randy Rinehart served as a summer youth minister; and
the church voted to leave the Stewart County Baptist Association and align
with the Western District Association. In September l984, Charles Allen,
Dennis Stavely, Tom Porter, David Wallace,and Bob McGuffin were ordained as
deacons. The church experienced much growth ending 1984 with a total
membership of 420 and a total budget of over $80,000. Shari Johnson served as
music minister during this period and was licensed in l985. Deacons ordained
in June l985 included Steve Morgan and James Ahart.
In the summer of l986, Scott Warpool served as Youth Minister and was
licensed to the ministry in l987. Upon Scott’s resignation, Rob Briton was
issued a call as Minister of Youth and Music. First Baptist licensed Rob to
the ministry in August of l988.
Following much preparation and planning, First Baptist sent a group of
youth and adults to Victory Baptist Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan for a
week-long mission trip in the summer of l988. It was a wonderful outreach to
Tennessee’s sister state and activities included Backyard Bible clubs,
marriage seminars, youth activities, remodeling of church offices, and praise
and worship services. This trip proved to be an extension of the church’s
love for missions and more trips of this nature followed.
The close of the 80’s brought the following: dedication of the west wing
on January 3, l988; FBC held its first Harvest Day, with the offering
designated for debt retirement of the west wing; Rob Briton resigned as Music
and Youth Minister; a Drug Awareness committee was formed; and a Mother’s
Day Out program was started. The final loan payment on the west wing was made
in July l989 and a note-burning ceremony was held. In 1991 Shari Johnson
Wilson returned as music minister for the youth. Dr. Mike Penny from Union
University served as Adult Choir leader from January until September l991.
Shari became the Adult Choir leader when Dr. Penny resigned. During this time
she also worked with the younger children, called Music Makers.
Robbie deMarigny accepted the call as summer youth minister in l990. Many
youth activities were conducted including a mission trip to North Carolina.
His ministry was part-time during the winter months but he became full-time
again in the summer of l991. In August of l991, FBC nominated Robbie as a
candidate to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
In August l990 Rev. Wilson resigned and once again First Baptist was
without a leader. Rev. Pete Lumpkins was called later in the fall l990. During
l992, FBC participated in the World Mission Conference, the Mother’s Day Out
ministry was expanded from one to three days per week, and a Minister of
Children , Kathy Dunlap, was added to the staff. In December, Raymond Feltner
was accepted as a deacon from Big Rock Baptist Church. In July l993, Rev.
Lumpkins received his doctorate degree.
Throughout its history FBC has strived for growth and expansion. Many of
its accomplishments and blessings have come as a result of this long-range
goal. In support of that goal, it became apparent that FBC needed a facelift.
A committee was formed to investigate plans for remodeling and redecorating of
the sanctuary and vestibule, enlarging the front entrance, and adding a sound
room. Thanks to the dedication, love, and sacrifice of many, this project was
completed without going into debt. A dedication ceremony was held in
conjunction with Harvest Day on October 24, l993.
Many of the programs took on a dramatic flair as Kathy Lumpkins, the pastor’s
wife, was truly gifted and talented in these areas. Dramas were presented,
including "A Witch’s Invitation", based on the music of Carman,
and an Easter drama with the disciples being played by the men of the church
in full costume. Carnivals were conducted for Vacation Bible Schools and each
banquet (adult or youth) was decorated more beautifully than the last.
During this period several part-time youth ministers were of service. These
included Scott Heath, Brian Jones, Angie Watson, and Wally Vinson. All of
these young people were dedicated to the Lord and to the youth. The programs
flourished with the help of many volunteers. Mission trips to Indiana, Ohio,
and North Carolina brought many adventures, blessings, and spiritual growth.
Disciple Now weekends were held every spring and large groups attended the
Youth Evangelism Conferences each March.
Rev. Lumpkins resigned in December of l993 and a pulpit committee was
formed. Rev. John David Laida served as Interim. In July l994, Linda Toombs
was added as Minister of Children. Upon a recommendation of Rev. Carlos Owens,
former pastor, Terry Kirby of Knoxville, Tennessee was contacted concerning
the ministry position. Rev. Kirby accepted the call October l994 and remains
the current pastor.
In November l994, several deacons were added from sister churches,
including Darrell Cook, Ira Hendon, and J. W. Hutchison. Before the close of
l994, O.B. Kyle was added as a deacon transfer from Arkansas and Richard
Williams from First Baptist, Clarksville.
Under Rev. Kirby’s leadership, the long-range planning committee was
re-instituted. Upon their recommendation, FBC obtained the services of a
non-profit architectural firm to prepare proposals for expansion of FBC. These
proposals were to encompass the next ten to fifteen years. To prepare for
future costs, a building fund was established by the budget committee and the
regular budget was set for 1996 at $l73,970. A By-Laws Revision committee was
appointed and a new pictorial directory was distributed. The new by-laws were
adopted in July 1996.
In January l996, James Stokes was added to the staff as full-time Minister
of Youth and Education. He served faithfully for two years. In May, the church
voted to use the last Wednesday night of each month as "Wednesday on
Mission" for all missions organizations. In the fall of l996, Wesley
Feltner and William Marshall were licensed into the ministry by the church.
Gina Tracey was added as music minister and served until August l997 followed
by Julia Wolfe who is the current music minister. FBC has been blessed through
its music programs, enjoying Christmas and Easter Cantatas, and numerous
gifted soloists. In fact, visitors have often commented upon the musical
talent displayed from the children’s and youth choirs, the adult choir and
various ensemble groups. The newest addition is the youth’s praise and
worship band.
Based upon the diligent work of the long-range planning committee, FBC
voted to accept the Master Plot Plan designed by the church architects of the
Baptist Sunday School Board as the future building plans. The project was
named Vision 2000. Land has been acquired on two different occasions that
could only have happened with the Lord’s guiding hand. The project was set
in motion with a kick-off banquet and a fund-raising plan of "Equal
Sacrifice, Equal Giving." At this time, the building committee is making
plans for the beginning of Phase 1. To this date $162,599.90 has been given.
In June l997, FBC voted to re-align with the Stewart County Baptist
Association. Also, a cookbook, "Taste and See", was compiled by the
"Glory Seekers" committee (the re-named Young-at-Heart committee)
with the help of Jeana Kirby. Proceeds went to Vision 2000.
With the affirmation and recommendation of the church, Rev. Kirby entered a
doctoral program at Southern Seminary in the fall of l997. In October of that
same year, a Women’s and Teen’s Conference and luncheon was held with
approximately165 in attendance. The year ended with a total membership of 576
and properties valued at $258,000.
In April of l998, FBC conducted an "Experiencing God" weekend led
by a visiting team from East Tennessee, endorsed by the TBC. Greg Ernsberger
was called as interim youth minister in June of l998. A full slate of youth
activities was provided including summer camps, mission trips, concerts, and
Bible study. Greg’s call was extended to full-time Minister of Youth and
Education in September. In October, FBC ordained Greg into the ministry. Plans
are underway for a youth mission trip to South Carolina in the summer of l999.
FBC was richly blessed by hosting the "Zambian Acapella Choir" from
Zambia, Africa in the fall. These young men held assemblies at all area
schools and what wonderful testimonies and music they presented. During this
time, Sunday School was renamed: "The L.I.F.E. Hour"- an acronym for
"Learning is for Everyone" and a new van was purchased in support of
the van ministry. In December, a "Hanging of the Green" service was
conducted under the direction of Dianne Feltner. The sanctuary was beautifully
decorated to observe the Christmas holidays.
A committee began working to plan the 75th Anniversary of First
Baptist on August 20-22, 1999. A theme of "Reflecting the Love of Christ
– Past, Present, Future" was chosen. Various activities are planned
including three services to include messages from Rev. Carlos Owens
representing the past, Rev. Kirby representing the present, and William
Marshall and Wesley Feltner representing the future; participation of Music
Ministers Fred Borders, Julia Wolfe, and David Toombs; distribution of an
updated church history and pictorial directory; fellowship meals prior to each
evening’s service; a youth concert; and a Sunday afternoon Homecoming meal
and concert.
FBC participated in a mission trip to Rio de Janeiro, in May l999. Through
the budget, donations, yard sales, and other projects enough money was raised
to send seven people. They returned with spirits aglow from experiencing the
Lord’s work on the mission field.
Reflecting upon the long and valued history of First Baptist Church, we
recognize it as a beacon of light to many past generations. Through the
leadership and guidance of l9 pastors, the church has grown from its ten
charter members to a membership of 408 with properties valued at $653,000.
Yes, God has been ever-present in encouraging First Baptist to grow in its
ministries as a light to the community and throughout the world. This light
continues to shine for the present generation through the youth and children’s
programs, mission trips, music ministry, drama ministry, van ministry, and
missions organizations. It is the prayer of the staff and membership of First
Baptist Church that the light of the Son will continue to be reflected for all
generations to come.
The history committee faithfully submits this document as a current history
of First Baptist Church as part of the 75th Anniversary
Celebration. Any omissions and/or errors are due to incomplete records.
Clay Webb, Kay Brigham, Anna E.(Snooky) Wynn, Mary Harriett Dill
and Janey
Marshall.
